CRP Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Processing Technologies

Question 1

What is the primary function of an eddy current separator in a MRF?

Accepted Answer

To separate non-ferrous metals (especially aluminum) from the material stream using an electromagnetic field

Answer

To sort paper from plastic using air currents

Answer

To remove moisture from collected materials

Answer

To detect and remove hazardous materials

Question 2

What does an 'optical sorter' do in a modern single-stream MRF?

Accepted Answer

Uses near-infrared (NIR) or visible-light sensors to identify and air-jet eject specific materials by type

Answer

Sorts materials by color using human visual inspection

Answer

Weighs materials on a conveyor for billing purposes

Answer

Detects metals using X-ray technology

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'trommel screen' in MRF processing?

Accepted Answer

To separate materials by size using a rotating cylindrical screen with holes

Answer

To shred oversized materials into smaller pieces

Answer

To wash and clean contaminated recyclables

Answer

To separate heavy from light materials using water

Question 4

What is a 'disc screen' (OCC screen) used for at the beginning of a MRF line?

Accepted Answer

To separate large flat cardboard (OCC) from smaller mixed materials using rotating star-shaped discs

Answer

To shred incoming cardboard bales

Answer

To remove glass from the incoming stream

Answer

To detect metal contamination in cardboard

Question 5

What is a 'glass breaker screen' designed to do in single-stream MRF processing?

Accepted Answer

Intentionally break glass into small fragments that fall through screen openings, separating glass from other recyclables

Answer

Protect workers from broken glass hazards

Answer

Prevent glass from entering the paper stream

Answer

Sort glass by color before processing

Question 6

What does 'throughput' mean for a Materials Recovery Facility?

Accepted Answer

The volume or weight of material processed per unit of time, typically expressed as tons per hour

Answer

The total number of bales produced per day

Answer

The percentage of material that is successfully recovered

Answer

The number of collection trucks serviced per shift